Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 things we learned in win over Carolina
By Zack Goncz
Joe Haden and …
As previously mentioned, the Steelers defense is catching fire. They pressure the quarterback and stop the run. They’ve improved but still lag slightly on shutting down those pass plays. Joe Haden has done a great job locking up the number 1 spot and is probably their best cover corner since Ike Taylor or even longer. Mike Hilton is also excelling in the nickel spot, covering well and a threat to blitz. But they need someone else, a number 2 on the outside opposite Haden, to complete the package.
Artie Burns has been adequate since being drafted in the first round in 2016. He’s not a star but has by no means been an outright bust. This year, he seems to have taken a step back, a “lull in play” as Tomlin put it, and was benched. He got a pass interference in the endzone Thursday, not helping his cause. The other two options are Coty Sensabaugh, the current starter, and Cam Sutton. Until one of these 3 pops the Steelers will have to cycle through the least bad option and they’ll remain vulnerable against the pass.